Tag Archives: Ireland

Why The Irish Drink: Is Ireland A Country of Alcoholics Or An Alcoholic Country

The world knows Ireland as a country of pubs, and happy, hard working, hard drinking folk.  Right, wrong, or indifferent, that’s the world’s impression, and it’s not entirely undeserved.  In fact it’s often a proudly displayed badge of honor for … Continue reading

Posted in Irish History, Irish Life & Society, Pubs | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

Bank On It: International Banking For Immigrants

When the idea of moving overseas became serious, I, of course, had fantasies of multiple bank accounts spread around the world.  Perhaps we could even find a use for a Swiss bank account.  But the reality of arranging functional banking … Continue reading

Posted in Dublin Life, Immigration & Emigration, International Moving, Irish Life & Society, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Outside Politics: Voting Away From Home

Now that I’ve had a month to process the frenzy and climax of the American election, I realize that I’m amazed both by how much my priorities have changed in just sixteen months, and by how keenly aware (and somewhat … Continue reading

Posted in Immigration & Emigration, International Moving, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Let’s Talk About The Weather – How Weather Affects The Immigrant’s Way Of Life

For an American “southern boy” who has developed a serious allergy to heat and humidity, moving to Ireland has been a godsend.  To say that the Irish look at me like my head is on fire when I tell them … Continue reading

Posted in Dublin Life, Home & A Sense of Place, Immigration & Emigration, International Moving, Irish Life & Society, Modern Life, Pets | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Seeing The Sights: Learning To Be a Tourist In Your Own Home

Like many who enjoy traveling to new places, when we moved to Dublin, I deliberately distanced myself, mentally, and often physically, from the millions of tourists who visit Ireland each year.  “I live here now. I’m no tourist.”  I realize … Continue reading

Posted in Dublin Attractions, Dublin Life, Home & A Sense of Place, Irish Countryside, Irish History, Irish Life & Society, Things to See in Ireland | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Patriot Games: Watching the Olympics in a New Country

For the last month or so, watching the Olympics and thinking more and more about life in a new country, I’ve found myself contemplating loyalty to country and differences between patriotism and nationalism. When you grow up in America watching … Continue reading

Posted in Dublin Life, Home & A Sense of Place, Irish Life & Society, Modern Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Irish Food Surprises

Well, today this blog hits the big 40 (40 entries).  I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who’ve encouraged, promoted, heckled, badgered, battered, belittled, and bemoaned this blog.  But most of all, I’d like to thank those … Continue reading

Posted in Dublin Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Calling The Euro Home

In the lead up to this week when Ireland votes on the Austerity package, I’ve given a lot of thought to the things that hold the EU together, and it occurs to me that, as much as Ireland is in … Continue reading

Posted in Bureaucracy, Dublin Life, Friends & Family, Home & A Sense of Place, Irish Life & Society, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Always New

For the past week or so, I’ve been chasing a certain feeling/idea that has maddeningly remained just a step or two ahead of me. It’s hard to explain, but it’s the notion that living abroad gives you a constant feeling … Continue reading

Posted in Dublin Life, Home & A Sense of Place, Immigration & Emigration, International Moving, Writers & Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Taxed In Two Places

Disclaimer: I am not a tax expert, and make no claim that the information listed below is accurate.  Readers are strongly encouraged to consult with a certified tax accountant, or the revenue collection agency in their country of residence, and … Continue reading

Posted in Bureaucracy, Dublin Life, Immigration & Emigration, International Moving | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments